My name is Loi Hua, 36 years old, born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. I've been into Hondas since the early 2000s. It all started in my parents' single-car garage, where my friends and I would spend our days working on our cars together. With our modest paychecks, we poured every penny into car-related pursuits because we loved it that much. However, as we secured better jobs, we could afford the best performance parts instead.

Honda Integra Type R

There's something extraordinary about building cars, both visually stunning and capable of laying down blistering lap times on the track. It brings an adrenaline rush and immense happiness. I relish spending my free time working on my cars, brainstorming with friends over drinks, trying to find ways to go faster. Whenever I have an idea I'm fixated on, I find myself obsessing over how to make it better. That's the excitement I look forward to because every car is unique.

Early Influences and the Allure of Honda and Acura

I've been tinkering with Honda and Acura vehicles since my youth. During high school, my older brother Tai Hua and my neighbor Ralph Ramirez had modified Hondas – Integra DA, DC models, and Civics – that sparked my interest in building these cars. They performed engine swaps, cam swaps, and various performance modifications, enduring the hardships of blown engines and unreliable used parts. Their experiences motivated me to learn how to do things properly from the start, learning from our mistakes and continuously improving.

The Irresistible Charm of the Honda Integra Type R

I've always been captivated by the look of a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Integra Type R front end on these Integras. The aftermarket options for hoods, fenders, and bumpers are more plentiful compared to the USDM (United States Domestic Market) front end. In 2005, I owned a 1996 GSR, but once I drove an actual Integra Type R chassis, it was a game-changer. Acura enhanced the car's stiffness compared to a GSR with reinforcements and weight reductions, making the ITR a true performance marvel.

1997 Integra Type R

The Art of Customization and Performance

Some might wonder why I used parts from different brands. Well, it stemmed from years of experience working with various performance companies, enabling me to test and push different parts to their limits. I customized each individual car, designing it to achieve the ultimate performance I desired. I learned that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution when it comes to parts. You have to figure out what you like, and the opinions of others shouldn't matter.

The Ultimate Honda Performance Machine

This car is an amazing machine. With the K-Series 2.4-litre engine block and the high-flow K20A2 cylinder head, it pushes 272 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. The sound of the VTEC crossover is pure bliss. Paired with suspension and aerodynamic modifications, driving it on the track or highway feels like piloting a go-kart. The faster I go, the more stable and nimble the car becomes, putting a smile on my face.

Take A Quiz: So you think you know all about Cars prove it,

The engine of a 1997 Integra Type R

Integra Type R Build List:

Integra Type R Suspension

JRZ Motorsport 3-way with Quick Disconnects
PCI Front Camber Kit with Auora upgraded bearings from Kingpin Machine
Kingpin Machine Spherical Upper Control Bushings
Kingpin Machine Spherical Front LCA, Compliance Bushings
PCI Rear Spherical Camber Arms
Hard race RTA Bushings
FA5 Front Brake Calipers
Raybestos ST43 Front Brake Pads
Winmax W5 Rear Brake Pads
Mugen 26mm Rear Sway Bar

Integra Type R Motor

K24/K20
Blueprint stage 2 Cams
BC Valve Springs & Retainers
Vented K-Tuned Valve Cover -10an w/ Vibrant catch can
Skunk2 Street Ultra Ported Manifold by Osollo Racing Heads
Skunk2 74mm Billet TB
Skunk2 Alpha Header
Grams 1000cc Injectors
Radium Fuel Rail, Fuel Pressure, Regulator, Gauge
Hytech 2.5inch Catback Exhaust
Custom LSG 3.5 inch Titanium Intake
Tractuff Fillpot & Overflow Reservoir
Unit 2 Fabrication Baffled Oil Pan
Hasport Engine Mounts
Hondata K-Pro V4

Integra Type R Transmission

Gear X 1-6 Gearset
Osgiken LSD
4.7 FD
ACT 6 Puck Sprung Clutch W/Xtreme Pressure Plate

Integra Type R Exterior

JDM HID Frontend Conversion
VIS carbon Fiber Spoon Lip
Custom LSG Front Splitter
SPMS Splitter Brackets
J’s racing Carbon Fiber Hood
Volk TE37’s 15x8 +27 Squared
OEM Optional Side Skirts
Voltex GT Wing W/275mm Stands
Spoon Gen2 Mirrors Color Matched
Crowhouse Front Fenders
UKDM Rear Tail Lights

The interior of a 1997 Integra Type R

Integra Type R Interior

Spoon Gauge Cluster signed by Ichishma
Spoon Steering Wheel
Workbell quick release
Recaro RMS Driver/Pole Position Passenger Bucket Seat
Kirk 4 Point Roll Bar
Takata/Schroth Seat Belts
K-Tuned Race Shifter
Aem oil pressure and wideband gauge

The Team Behind the Build

The majority of the work was done by me, my brother Brian Hua, and friends. I went through countless trials and tribulations, spending countless hours researching and figuring out how things work. The engine tuning was handled by Import Auto Pros.

Future Plans and Aspirations for the Integra Type R

Finding time to hit the track and set new personal best lap times is my current goal. I've purchased performance modifications, including wider front wheels (15x9) for broader front tires, spherical upper control arms, and lower control arms suspension upgrades from Kingpin Machine. If everything goes well, I hope to beat my previous time of 1:55 at Buttonwillow 13 clockwise configuration.

Shout Outs and Dream Car

I want to give shout-outs to @itr_brian, @bshield_auto, @jw88_, @donutroidz, @duhmugenr, and @importautopros for their support and contributions. As for my dream car, it's the Porsche 992 GT3 RS.

Join the Discussion:

Share your thoughts and experiences with Modified Cars in the comments below! Let's create a space for informed discussion and responsible car modifications.

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